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IESAF Rocks |
IESAF celebrates its first decade with a live event.
AFTER ten years of bringing together the English-speaking community here in Finland, the International English Speakers’ Association of Finland is throwing a party to celebrate this important milestone.
“We are a large group of expat English speakers here in Finland,” explains IESAF predident Richard Berman. “We have groups in Vantaa, Helsinki, Espoo, Tampere and Turku and are growing all the time. We are non-profit and have over 5,000 members.”
Held on 6 June at Dubrovnik Lounge & Lobby, the acts confirmed for the celebration are Flute of Shame (featuring former Finnish Idols winner Koop Arponen), Keith Hall (world renowned jazz drummer, co-founder of Pickettywitch and former member of Gerry and the Pacemakers), Indi Loveless, The Compass Schedule, Richie Goes To Helsinki and Colin D. Keegan. DJs spinning during the night include Richard Berman, Mike Kempf and Adam Smith.
“The acts have been brought together for this special night of entertainment due to each act having at least one foreign member,” Berman explains. “Their willing support for the charity has been overwhelming,.”
However, this event is just the tip of the iceberg – or cherry on the cake, depending on how recently you have been introduced to them. There are plenty of other offering on the IESAF calendar this year, including family picnics and days out and monthly pub quizzes in Helsinki and Turku, as well as knitting, handcraft and beer clubs.
“We offer many kinds of activities, from information nights on finding work and business events helping members who have businesses in Finland to get tax and accounting information,” Berman explains. “Most of all we bring people together to network and make new contacts.”
James O’Sullivan
Image: Koop Arponen
